When you thought I wasn't looking
Monday, March 30, 2009
By: Denise O'Neill

Cancer claimed the life of my mom in 1988. Years after mom died, I would pick up the phone to call her because love never forgets. November 2008 marked the 20th anniversary of her death and I would like to share the memorial I wrote in her honour.

In remembrance of our mom, Lena Yagelnesky who passed away November 7, 1988:

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how hard you worked on the farm and I learned that having "things" didn't equal happiness.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you provide a home for 4 kids and create your own life and I learned about the courage of a single mother.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of Baba and Gido and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help others and I learned that those who have little can still give to those who have less.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities even when you didn't feel good and I learned about the power of a woman.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you cry because you couldn't fight anymore and I learned that there is strength in letting go.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons through you and though you're not here today I want to say, "Thanks...for all the things I saw, when you thought I wasn't looking."

We love and miss you everyday, Mom.

Your children